Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, the heir to the Belgian throne, may face disruption in her master’s degree program at Harvard University following a U.S. government decision to block the institution from enrolling international students.
The restriction, announced on May 25, 2025, threatens the academic journey of the Duchess of Brabant, studying public policy at the Ivy League school.
Elisabeth, who completed her first year at Harvard after earning a degree in history and politics at Oxford University, now faces uncertainty. “The impact of this decision will become clearer in the coming days and weeks,” said Lore Vandoorne, a Royal Palace spokesperson. Xavier Baert, the palace’s communication director, added that they are adopting a wait-and-see approach, noting, “A lot can still happen.”
Princess Elisabeth, heir to the Belgian throne, is studying Public Policy at Harvard, a two-year master's degree program. https://t.co/98oD5fY8fj
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) May 23, 2025Origins of the U.S. Ban
The U.S. restriction stems from a dispute between Harvard and the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which demanded staff and student policy changes. Harvard’s refusal prompted the Trump administration to ban international student enrollment. International students comprise about 25% of Harvard’s population and are critical to the university’s operations.
Harvard filed a lawsuit on May 23, 2025, arguing that the ban violates the First Amendment. President Alan M. Garber called the restrictions “unlawful and unwarranted,” warning that they jeopardise the futures of thousands of students and scholars across U.S. universities.
#FPExplained | Amid a clash between Trump & the elite Harvard University over ban on foreign students, Cleo Carney, daughter of Canadian PM Mark Carney, & crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium find themselves in an academic limbo.https://t.co/FDXjOITWEV
— Firstpost (@firstpost) May 24, 2025Dr. Laura Jensen, a higher education policy expert at the University of Brussels, explains, “This ban could have far-reaching consequences for global academic mobility. For students like Princess Elisabeth, it disrupts education and diplomatic ties.” She notes that legal challenges may delay or reverse the policy, but the outcome remains uncertain.
As legal proceedings unfold, the Belgian Royal Palace is monitoring developments. The situation highlights broader challenges for international students in the U.S.
